New York Knicks Should Re-Sign Derrick Williams

Derrick Williams has officially declined his player option for the 2016-17. Here’s are five reasons Williams should still re-sign with the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks have created more financial flexibility than anyone imagined they’d possess during the summer of 2016. Arron Afflalo declined his $8 million player option, thus pushing New York from roughly $20 million to roughly $28 million in cap space.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Derrick Williams declined his $4.6 million player option, as well.

The Knicks will now have roughly $32 million in cap space.

Williams and the Knicks aren’t necessarily separated partners with a burned bridge between them. Williams’ decision to decline his player option was financially motivated, and he can still return to New York if the two sides so choose.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Knicks hope to re-sign Williams.

"The Knicks still have an interest in signing Williams to a new deal, sources said. Williams’ athleticism and versatility at a small forward position in demand on the market are expected to give him significant options this summer."

There’s mutual interest.

Williams made it perfectly clear that he’d prefer to remain with the Knicks for the 2016-17 season. He ended an Instagram post praising Knicks fans with the words, “It’s been so fun competing in front of you guys. Looking forward to it again.”

Here are five reasons he should be playing home games for the Knicks in 2016-17.

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